MC for the evening was the BBC’s Sports Correspondent, Thomas Niblock. He was joined on stage by a strong panel of players: John Cooney, Ulster Rugby; Brendan Rogers, Derry GAA and Bobby Burns, Glentoran FC. These high-profile players gave an insight into how volunteers have helped them in their sports careers and the importance of volunteering in sport, especially for young people. Irish Hockey legend Katie Mullan also participated in a conversation about her career in sport; the highs and the lows; and how volunteering impacts on players and teams and helps drives success both on and off the pitch.
It was certainly an inspiring night, and none-more-so when the young people took to the stage to receive their Sports Inspire Awards for completing 50, 100 or 200 hours volunteering in sport.
Denis Gardiner, Ulster Rugby President said, “The partnership between Ulster Rugby, the Irish FA and Ulster GAA is so important and through events like this we see the great work that is being done by the three Governing Bodies to promote volunteering in sport. We are very grateful for the continued support of the Department for Communities and the Community Fund, which allows us to continue to develop volunteer programmes that are meaningful and impactful. It is hugely inspiring to see the MAC full of young people who are stepping up and helping out in their local sports clubs, making them a better place to be. I congratulate all the young people who have achieved their awards and I also thank the clubs involved in this programme for providing those vital opportunities”.
Ulster GAA President Ciaran McLaughlin said, “I love coming to this event every year as it showcases the huge impact young people are making in their clubs and communities through volunteering in sport. Listening to the young volunteers about what they do and why they volunteer their time and skills to sport is really inspiring. Too often our younger generation get bad press, but these young people are showing the true impact they make every day, building better sports clubs and providing positive outlet for their communities to enjoy spectating and participation in sport. Well done to all the young people and clubs involved in this worthy programme.”
Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson said, “It is so uplifting to come here to this event which brings together young people from across the three sports to celebrate their volunteering contribution. We call it the Sports Inspire Awards Programme because that is exactly what it is, inspiring young people doing good in their own communities. I congratulate all the clubs involved, and for providing volunteering opportunities for young people aged 14-24 years. Not only do the clubs benefit from the skills, energy and knowledge of the young volunteers, but the young people also benefit from developing their own skills and talents which will serve them well in further education or future career.”
The Sports Inspire Awards Programme is run jointly by Ulster GAA, Irish FA and Ulster Rugby to recognise outstanding young volunteering in sport. It is aimed at people aged 14-24years old and encourages them to regularly volunteer in their sports club to achieve awards for 50, 100 and 200 hours volunteering.
The programme is organised as part of the partnership funded by DfC Sport “A home for lifelong volunteering” and is supported by the Community Foundation.
Anyone interested in getting involved in this programme should contact:
Ulster Rugby: nicci.wilson@ulsterrugby.com
Ulster GAA Sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie
